Search for missing plane called off

December 3, 2012

The Coast Guard this afternoon suspended the search for a small plane, piloted by Maui pastry chef Jose Krall, that disappeared from radar on a flight from Maui to Molokai on Saturday evening.

The decision to suspend the search for the privately owned Cessna 172S was made at 3 p.m. Monday, pending further information.

"The decision to suspend a search is one of the hardest a commanding officer has to make," said Capt. Joanna Nunan, Coast Guard Sector Honolulu commanding officer. "Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family and friends of Mr. Krall during this difficult time."

Coast Guard Joint Rescue Coordination Center Honolulu received a report at 7 p.m. Saturday that the airplane disappeared from radar about 2.5 miles north of Maui's north shore. A search was begun.

A debris field that appears to be from an aircraft was located about two miles north of Maui in the area that the Cessna had disappeared from radar, the Coast Guard news release said. Included in the debris was a landing gear wheel that could match the aircraft.

The public is asked to report any discovered shoreline debris resembling aircraft to be reported to the Coast Guard by calling (808) 842-2601.